Dave Spencer

Recent Articles

BYRON CENTER, Mich. – It’s often said that ‘crime doesn’t pay,’ but crime prevention is paying off for businesses like Williams Electronics Security and Communications. “With the uptick in crime and break-ins, we’ve had a 20 percent increase in sales in those markets,” said Jon Geer, who works at Williams Electronics. Geer is referring to a recent string of business break-ins in Kent County. FOX 17 first told you about the crimes earlier this week. Geer said today’s security system […]

GRANDVILLE, Mich. – A picture showing a Grandville High School student in sexually explicit positions has gone viral on various social media platforms. The photo is too graphic to show on the news or on our web site. “I logged on to Facebook on Friday and I was in awe,” said a classmate who reached out to FOX 17 but wanted to remain anonymous. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh!’ Pictures of her doing what she was doing.” A virtual […]

NORTON SHORES, Mich. – Police in Norton Shores said this is the time of year when they see an increase in prescription fraud and theft from pharmacies along the Lakeshore. That is why police are sending out a warning to would-be criminals and working with pharmacists to cut down the statistics. So far the partnership appears to be paying off. According to Norton Shores Police Chief Daniel Shaw, the arrests for prescription drug crimes nearly doubled from 2012 to 2013. […]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Lasha Green calls it a nightmare come true. Lasha’s mother, Maxine Green, the sister of famed R&B singer Al Green, went missing more than a year ago, and the family is still holding out hope for her return. Maxine, mother of eight, has a history of alcohol problems and mental issues, according to her family. Sunday night, family and friends gathered for a prayer vigil on Division Avenue in Grand Rapids. Green was last seen at […]

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Dozens of people were walking around the streets of downtown Muskegon on Wednesday night in an effort to raise awareness about suicide. September is Suicide Awareness Month, and that’s especially relevant in Muskegon County, where, according to the Muskegon Suicide Prevention Coalition, the suicide rate in the county is 56% higher than the national average. It’s a topic Lori Venderweele never thought she would talk about: the death of her son. “This is my son Austin,” she […]

KENTWOOD, Mich. – On the same day that convicted West Michigan sex trafficker Eddie Jackson received a 30 year sentence for ‘pimping’ teen girls from Muskegon to Grand Rapids a victim’s advocate is speaking out on the issue. Carol Veenstra said she suffered in silence for more than 60 years after being sexually abused so she can understand why many victims of sex trafficking remain silent. “There is a shame and a guilt that really doesn’t belong to the one […]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – When Eddie Jackson, a convicted sex trafficker, is sentenced in federal court on September 16, one group dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking will be paying close attention to the ruling. The Manasseh Project is an outreach program of Wedgwood Christian Services. Along with trauma recovery for victims, the project trains first responders and members of the court who often come in contact with victims of sex trafficking. They would like to see Jackson get […]

GRANDVILLE, Mich. – The Grandville City Council voted in July to lift a ban on Sunday liquor sales. Now, stores are telling FOX 17 they are already seeing an impact to their bottom line. At the Wilson Party Store, clerk Garion Sutliff said the store has seen a 20 percent increase in liquor sales since the ban was lifted. Customer Michael Adams said he prefers to buy local, and he’s saving gas money he would have spent driving to distant […]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Seven dogs and two cats seemingly living alone with only bags of dog food and on occasional visit for their owner. That’s what police said they found inside a home on East Avenue South, near downtown Battle Creek. Sgt. Jim Martens with the Battle Creek Police Department said a dog jumped from the second story of a duplex to the cement below, getting the attention of neighbors who then called police. “It appeared to be ematicated,” […]